Faren Gilbert VanDeGrift

Faren Gilbert VanDeGrift passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the Brethren's Retirement Community in Greenville. He lived in Sarasota, FL but summered in Greenville for many years. Faren was born on February 21, 1933, in Piqua, OH, to the late Maurice and Mary Lou (Williams) VanDeGrift.

In addition to his parents, Faren is preceded in death by his first wife, Ilene May (Eley) VanDeGrift who he was married to from 1953-1999; his second wife, Dottie (Mellinger) VanDeGrift who he was married to from 2002-2020; his son Cary VanDeGrift; and brother-in-law, John Paulus.

Faren is survived by his children, Kelly VanDeGrift, Gayle and Greg Ruwe, Barbara and Barry Bolyard, and David and Heidi VanDeGrift; grandchildren, Katie and Chris Fields, Rebecca VanDeGrift, Caroline VanDeGrift, Emily and Jeff Kinard, Holly and Matt Kensill, Steve and Candy Bolyard, Bret Bolyard, Paige VanDeGrift, and Lucas VanDeGrift; great grandchildren, Lucie Fields, Sam Fields, Ben Kinard, Claire Kinard, Sydney Kensill, and Chase Kensill; siblings, Myra Jean Paulus and James and Rosie VanDeGrift; and many nieces and nephews.

Faren graduated high school from Ansonia High School. He attended Rossburg Methodist Church for many years and also Sarasota Community Church. Faren found his passion for carpentry and pursued it with unwavering dedication. Working for the Southwest Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, Faren honed his craft and became a skilled professional in his field. Faren also had a lifelong love for horses. When Faren retired in 1997, he moved to Sarasota, FL. He was a professional shuffle board player and belonged to the Florida Shuffle Board Association; he was inducted to the hall of fame in the Southwest District Hall. Faren also had a passion for traveling, cruises, and sports, especially being an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.

A man of integrity and hard work, Faren's legacy will live on through those whose lives he touched. His kindness and wisdom will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.

A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM on Friday with Pastor Eric Fee officiating.

Interment will follow the funeral service at Brock Cemetery in Darke County.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.